October 20, 2016

Collegiate Perspective: Creating Tradition with Red Dress Gala

Excitement surrounds the
Kappa Alpha chapter as we prepare for our very first Red Dress Gala. On
November 4, members will gather with parents, friends and alumnae for a night
of celebration to raise awareness and funds for women’s heart health.

Chapters across the nation
hold Red Dress Galas in hopes of educating the public on women’s heart health
and raising funds for Alpha Phi Foundation. Our chapter is only two years old,
and we are thrilled to already be hosting a Gala to establish our own
traditions for our beloved fraternity. This event is unique to the UNC Chapel
Hill Greek life community, and it is a great source of pride for our chapter.

Our gala planning began last
February, and since then our chapter has worked diligently to ensure a magical
evening for all attendees. Event Director Jenny Baker, has collaborated with
our wonderful alumnae, advisors and consultants, receiving both their guidance
and inspiration. The night will begin with a cocktail hour where members can
meet each other’s families and alumni from all around. Then guests will be
guided to walk along a hallway where baskets and other auction items will be
displayed.

All members created baskets with their
families within the chapter. The baskets all have special themes and are the
event’s main way of raising funds for the night. My family’s theme was jewelry,
and we received donations from Kendra Scott and other designers. We are excited
to see the total funds our first gala will garner for our beloved philanthropy. The night will continue
after the silent auction with live music, a three course meal and a speaker,
Juliann Gardner. Juliann is a heart attack survivor and works closely with the American
Heart Association. Juliann was invited to speak at the event after we heard her
moving speech at a similar heart health event. We are excited for our chapter
and guests to hear her speak about her life-altering experience and the
importance of heart health.

The details of the night
seem to be in perfect order, but Events Director Jenny Baker says it hasn’t all
been easy. The biggest challenge she has had to face was getting people
motivated and on board for the chapter’s first Red Dress Gala. “I’ve had to
explain in great detail how this will have such a great impact on our
philanthropy and that each member’s efforts are critical to the success of the
evening,” Baker said. It might have taken a bit of motivating, but with the
whole chapter on board, we hope the night will run seamlessly and our goals
will be met.

One of the most exciting
things members are looking forward to is their families getting the chance at
seeing what a sorority really is all about: sisters rallying around a great
cause and supporting one another in our efforts to benefit our fraternity as a
whole. I know I am itching to see the night come together. I can’t wait to kick
off what I know will be one of my favorite traditions here at Carolina.

If you or someone you know are interested in attending please contact jenbaker@live.unc.edu

Mikayla
Tencer is a collegiate member at the Kappa Alpha chapter at UNC Chapel Hill. To learn more about Mikayla,click here.